Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Gibbons.
Hi Allison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe yu can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
AK D’Lites was born out of lack of resources and being a new mom in 2001. During a time when things were tough, my pastor at that time, spoke a word that made me look within myself. I found God given gifts and talents that I didn’t know I had. I realized that I could use my creativity to create gifts that made others happy as well as make extra money to enhance my financial need. Having been born and raised in Barbados, my mother always told me to “keep my head up”. I began with making candy jars, then went on to using the sewing skills I learned in high school and added sewing pillows, blankets, hats, scarves, and customized gift baskets. I then expanded my talents to include monogramming, soy candles, and body products.
Our candles and body products are made and packaged to relax and renew your body and mind while helping you to build lasting memories. They will bring a pleasant aroma to your home, workplace, or anywhere you want to enjoy a pleasing scent. The candles are made with natural soy wax which offers a longer burn time and are safer for the environment. The body cremes and oils are made with natural products such as shea and cocoa butter, along with sweet almond and coconut oils which contain no additives. We started trying to find the business name that would best suit what we offered. Simple Creations, Anointed Creations, Baskets N Babies, and Allikatt’z Kreations, which is where the AK derives from in AK D’Lites, were names that we have played with.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! During this time, I went through a very difficult divorce and I had to figure out how to care for two children as a single parent through all of this. I was also faced with almost losing my home as a result. Even though I was going through all this turmoil in my personal life, I kept pushing and finished a Specialist Degree in Education at Nova Southeastern University while still bringing my passion to life. The things that honestly kept me moving were my faith in God, and some very close friends that were much like family. I had to keep moving forward because I had two little girls who looked up to me. I had to make sure I stayed focused throughout every negative obstacle that tried to block me and keep me down.
We’ve been impressed with AK D’Lites, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We offer luxury candles and products in the latest designs and scents. Our service and dedication to our customers are our top priority. Our products are all natural with no harsh chemicals and are hand made in small batches. We offer intimate personalization to any item and we specialize in creating products that make a difference in people’s lives along with accentuating any home or office. Candles are therapeutic and relaxing. They add a touch of warmth to the atmosphere. AK D’Lites creates a feeling when you use our products, a feeling of love and care. A feeling that will help you to realize that you are special and someone has taken the time to create something especially for you. As stated before, our products can be personalized. Whether it’s seeing your name, favorite quote, scripture or even a picture it makes each person feel important. We also offer massage body oils and body butters, which are a perfect way to spend some quality time alone or with the one you love, warmer cubes for those who prefer not to deal with fire or the flame from a candle and room deodorizers to freshen up any room or car. We have recently added hand sanitizers, a much-needed necessity during these uncertain times. In the upcoming weeks we will be adding a music playlist to our candles, to either set the mood, or to motivate you during your day. Some people like to burn candles while cleaning and a playlist is perfect to increase energy. AK D’Lites is more than candles, we are a family.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality characteristic that I feel is most important to my success is determination. I am determined to not just be another single mom continuously struggling to make ends meet. I am determined not to let my children think that life is all about being on public assistance, instead it’s about being able to provide for themselves. I am determined to try, try and try again. Even if I fall down, I refuse to stay down. Life is not a crystal staircase so I will get up, put on my big girl pants and keep on keeping on. That is what I have been doing with the strength God gives me on a daily basis, and that is what I have taught my children. Do not wait for handouts, go out there and be the light that someone needs. With being the light, AK D’Lites would like to be the light for children on the autism spectrum and hope to one day incorporate autistic children into our business. I am a high school teacher to children with disabilities. I absolutely love and enjoy teaching them small aspects of what it takes to make candles. I see children who are willing and enjoy learning, they enjoy helping, they are driven by trying to make sure everything is perfect. I also work as a behavior therapist and I have found that we complain so much about everything; but when I am working with a child with a disability, I never have any complaints. I see children who are willing and enjoy learning, they enjoy helping, they are driven by trying to make sure everything is perfect. Every wick or label must be placed correctly, this brings me joy. This is a characteristic that I’m sure not many candle and body product makers can say. This is who we are, loving and caring for those who people sometimes turn their noses up at, or sometimes look down upon.
AK D’Lites is a light in the community, creating natural products with lots of TLC!
Pricing:
- Candles start at $8
- Body butters and oils start at $15.00
- Personalization starts at $20
Contact Info:
- Email: akcandles@akcandlesandmore.com
- Website: https://akdlites.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/akdlites/
- Facebook: web.facebook.com/allikatt1617
- Twitter: twitter.com/akdlites
